Is Restless Leg Syndrome Serious?: Texas Vascular Institute: Varicose Vein Specialists

By: Dr. Dev Batra | 01.29.23

Restless leg syndrome (RLS) is a type of sleep disorder. It generates a compulsive urge to move your legs (or other body parts) along with other uncomfortable physical sensations, such as pulling, tugging, itching, aching, burning, or crawling.

Unfortunately, RLS tends to be most severe in the evening, when you’re either lying in bed or sitting for long periods, making it difficult to fall asleep, stay asleep, or feel refreshed in the morning.

At Texas Vascular Institute, board-certified interventional radiologist Dr. Dev Batra diagnoses and treats restless leg syndrome in Dallas and Hurst, Texas. He understands how uncomfortable — and downright annoying — the condition can be, and he provides effective treatment so you can get a good night’s sleep.

What causes RLS?

There appears to be a strong correlation between genetics and RLS. Up to 92% of RLS patients have a first-degree relative with the syndrome, and this group tends to develop symptoms at a younger age than those without the genetic link.

Several medical conditions have been associated with RLS, including:

Low iron levels (anemia)
Problems with kidney function
Hypothyroidism
Depression
Diabetes
Rheumatoid arthritis
Peripheral neuropathy
Fibromyalgia
Parkinson’s disease
Pregnancy

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In addition, many medications and substances, including antidepressants, allergy drugs, anti-nausea medications, caffeine, alcohol, and nicotine, can contribute to RLS development or make the symptoms worse.

Some studies indicate that many people with vein disease also develop restless leg syndrome, and they can be successfully treated with therapies designed for chronic venous insufficiency (CVI). That isn’t that surprising, given that vein disease irritates the muscles and other soft tissues in your legs, creating uncomfortable sensations.

Is restless leg syndrome serious?

In and of itself, RLS isn’t serious. However, since it leads to inadequate sleep, it has wide-ranging repercussions.

Sleep deprivation describes a state caused by inadequate quantity or quality of sleep, including involuntary sleeplessness resulting from sleep disorders like RLS. Insufficient sleep has consequences on how we function during the day, causing sleepiness, fatigue, difficulty concentrating, and trouble remembering.

More than that, though, a sleepy person is more accident-prone, judgment-impaired, and likely to make bad decisions than their well-rested counterparts. A period of 24 hours without sleep leads to an impairment of hand-to-eye coordination similar to having a blood alcohol content of 0.1. That’s why, if you’re dealing with sleep disturbances due to RLS, it’s essential to get the underlying condition treated.

Treatment options for restless legs syndrome

When you come in for an evaluation, in addition to taking a complete medical history and making note of all your symptoms, Dr. Batra examines your legs for signs of vein disease. He looks for signs of chronic venous insufficiency, deep vein thrombosis (DVT), or other vascular health issues.

After a diagnosis, Dr. Batra always starts with conservative, non-drug treatments, especially if you have mild symptoms. These include:

Getting regular exercise
Following good sleep habits: go to sleep and wake up at the same time each day
Avoiding or limiting caffeine, alcohol, and nicotine
Applying a heating pad or cold compress to your legs
Trying acupressure, massage, and light stretching
Soaking in a warm tub before bed
Trying magnesium supplements
Reducing stress

If you have low iron levels, an iron supplement may also be a good choice.

Treatment for vein disease, if you have it, may also have a positive effect on RLS symptoms. A National Sleep Foundation study found that 98% of people who received treatment for vein problems also experienced a decrease in their RLS symptoms.

At Texas Vascular Institute, we recommend:

Compression stockings
Lifestyle modifications
Sclerotherapy
ClosureFast™ thermal vein closure
VenaSeal™

Dr. Batra customizes treatment to your individual needs.

If your restless legs leave you not getting adequate sleep, it’s time to come to Texas Vascular Institute for proper diagnosis and treatment. Give the office a call at either of our locations or book your appointment online today.

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I'm very particular with my Healthcare and tend to be cautious with referrals to specialists. This office is amazing from the first point of contact. Their staff are friendly, professional and highly knowledgeable. Then the Dr is just as amazing as his staff, absolutely brilliant. Office manager Jessica has this office running like a well oiled machine and does so with a smile, an air of confidence, kindness and professionalism. Love this practice!!

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Dr Batra and his staff are amazing! We are so grateful to have found him. Everyone is so kind and so caring and Dr Batra explains everything so well and does procedures with excellence. Beyond thankful to be under their care!!!

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